What Are Cat Breeds That Do Not Shed?

Pets can be a great addition to any family home. Cats are often some of the easiest animals to take care of because they are self sustaining and litter box trained. They do not generally need to be trained and can be very affectionate and fun to cuddle with. Unfortunately, many people are allergic to the hair that cats shed and aren't able to keep them as pets. In order to get around this issue, many people want to know what cat breeds do not shed.

It is extremely important to understand that there is virtually no cat out there that is completely shed-free. Shedding is good for cats, as it helps them to maintain a healthy coat and prepare for upcoming seasons. All cats shed, some simply shed significantly less than others. Purebred "hairless" cats, or ones with fewer layers of fur may shed less and cause fewer problems for those with cat allergies.

The Sphynx is a cat that appears to be naked and hairless, however, it has a very fine, thin layer of hair covering its body. This is a breed of medium to large sized cats with very large ears, wide eyes, and friendly expressions. They are known to have very strong bones and good muscle development. This is the only breed of cat that has actual sweat glands, which can cause skin discoloration, so they should be bathed on a regular basis. The Sphynx is a result of natural mutation and was first found in Canada in 1966. Throughout the years, they have been bred with both hairless and coated cats.

The Don Sphynx was discovered in Rostov-on-Don, Russia and is the only breed of cat with no hair on its body whatsoever, due to a dominant gene in its gene pool. The Peterbald breed is a mix between a Don Sphynx and an Oriental Shorthair cat. It was bred for the first time in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1994. Each Peterbald cat has very different colors and markings, making them all unique. There are four different classifications of hair in the Peterbald breed. Bald means that they are virtually hairless, flock describes a cat with short, downy hair, a cat with velour fur has hair that is between one and five millimeters long, and brush fur describes a cat with curly, wiry hair. Though all of the Peterbalds have some form of hair, many of them eventually lose it with age.

The Devon Rex breed was found in England in 1959 and has short, curly hair that feels like suede and can be patchy in some places. Unlike most cats, this breed has no guard hair, making its shedding minimal. It has a hypoallergenic coat, which is good for cat lovers with allergies. The Cornish Rex looks much like the Devon Rex with short, wavy, velvety fur. These cats barely shed and are generally very affectionate and friendly towards their owners.

Cat allergies can be really frustrating for some people, especially those avid cat lovers. Even though many cats cause problems with allergies, there are a few breeds that can help minimize the amount of allergens released into the air, allowing people with allergies to still be able to enjoy these virtually furless felines. Knowing what cat breeds do not shed can be very helpful to a person with cat allergies looking to adopt a feline pet.

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Do You Know How to Minimize Cat Shedding?

Shedding is a normal event in every cat's life and cat owners should accept this fact. Through shedding cats replenish their fur and maintain it in a good condition.

Wild cats shed their fur twice a year - in the spring to remove the winter undercoat, and in the autumn to prepare their new coat for the coming winter. Domesticated cats, however, are subjected to artificial winter heating and summer air-conditioning. As a result, their bodies are confused and they shed constantly.
When cats shed they remove dead hair from their bodies. Dead hair should be removed because it may cause skin irritation.

Shedding indicated that the cat is healthy; sick cats do not shed. Shedding depends on the time the cat spends outdoors. It is significantly affected by daylight and can be triggered by a number of hours spent on sunlight. Shedding also depends on the bathing, grooming of the cat and the activities she is involved in.
Cats that live indoors shed at any time of the year. The amount of the shed hair is less than the amount shed by outdoor cats because of the artificial light and the temperature in the house.

Outdoor cats shed two times in the year - in the spring and in the autumn. They usually don't shed at all or shed just limited amounts of hair in the winter because they keep their fur for the cold weather.

Breeds that don't shed or shed a little

There are two cat breeds that shed minimal amounts of hair. One of them is the Cornish Rex that has short curly hair, and the other one is the Devon Rex that has similar coat. Their shedding is usually not noticed, but it doesn't mean they don't shed.

The only cat breed that doesn't shed is the Sphynx. However, these cats are not absolutely hairless. Some people describe the skin of the Sphynx as suede or chamois. This cat breed is very rare and requires special care but is a perfect choice for people with allergies.

Dealing with your cat's shedding

You can control the shedding of your cat with regular brushing and combing. Daily brushing removes loose and dead hair and maintains the cat's hair healthy.

Start brushing your cat slowly and don't continue the sessions too long; stop brushing the cat before she protests. You can use treat to make the brushing sessions more pleasant. As the cat learns to like the brushing you can make these procedures for longer period of times. They will remove dead hair from the cat's body and the cat is less likely to shed in the house.

When combing the cat, do it carefully in the hair growth direction, so that you smooth the coat and remove any knows or tangles in the fur. Longhaired cats should first be brushed with a wide tooth comb and then with a fine tooth comb.

The length of the cat's hair is very important for the good brushing. Short-haired cats, such as Siamese, Burmese and Cornish rex cats, need little brushing. Shorthaired with dense coats like American shorthairs, British shorthairs and Scottish folds need a brushing once a month. Cats with long and flowing coats like Persian cat have to be combed very often and should be bathed once in the week or once in two weeks.

The advantages of combing and brushing are innumerable:

• frequent brush of your cat removes dead and lose hair from the cat's body and she will not shed that much:
• brushing and combing will reduce the presence of hairballs, particularly in the breeds with long coats;
• brushing and combing keep the fur smooth and don't allow mats;
• both activities are a good form of interaction for you and the cat, and are perfect for bonding process;
• They give the opportunity to examine the cat's hair for any potential problems, including parasites and skin conditions.

You can also reduce the cat's shedding by feeding her with healthy food of good quality. The cat food should be balances and should contain all nutrients required by the cat for a healthy skin and fur. In addition, you may use some products that are applied on the cat's hair and can reduce the shedding. They are available is specialized pet stores. Some vitamins produced from fish oils can also be helpful as they provide the cat with omega-3 fatty acids that make the fur stronger. There are some topical sprays that are used by cat owners to change and reduce the shedding.

If shedding continues throughout the year and is significant, the cat may have food or dust allergy. In some cases then the cat becomes sick from excessive hair ball, vets recommend that the cat is shaves three or four times a year. However, you should consult your veterinarian before you do something, because he will tell you what the problem is and how to solve it.

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A Feature on the Super Adorable Persian Cats

There are dog people and there are cat people. If you're a dog person, well this article really isn't for you. However if you're the type that loves cats you really need to look into one of the most beautiful breeds out there and that is the Persian. This is a very popular breed and one you should consider if looking to get your very own feline.

Known as one of the most attractive, adorable, and interesting breeds of cats, Persian cats make great pets because of their ability to adjust to an indoor environment. With unique characteristics such as big eyes, wide heads, and thick fur, people can identify them more easily from other cat breeds. Because of their thick fur, pet owners need to wash, clean, and brush these cute little creatures regularly.

Compared to other breeds of cats, pet owners love Persians for their gentle and relaxed appeal, which makes them a perfect pet especially for children. Another advantage of owning such cats is their natural inclination to stay indoors, making them suitable pets even for busy people who are always in and out of their house. Their thick coats make them extremely lovable and very nice to cuddle.

Because of their diverse colors, people can classify Persian cats into several different kinds. Some of their most common colors are lilac, black, and white. In the meantime, some of the cutest types of Persians are the Shaded Silver Doll-Faced Persian, the Persian Chinchilla, and the Red-and-White Bicolor Persian. Additionally, other types such as the Tortoise-Shell Persian Cat, the Persian Calico, and the Blue Point Persian are also very much adorable.

Persian cats are very easy to feed and nourish, however their tastes are more sensitive compared to ordinary cat breeds. Owners usually feed them with cat biscuits, raw meat, and chicken. As they grow, their nutritional needs change, making it necessary for the owners to make a diet plan that will keep their pets healthy all the time. For one to two months old Persians, a milk diet seems very much appropriate. As they reach four months and beyond, pet owners can now start feeding them with soft diet, including chicken and other vitamin-enriched food.

Grooming is an integral part when taking care of Persian cats, mainly because of their thick fur and gooey eyes. Bathing, drying, and brushing are basic procedures needed to maintain the beauty and texture of their fur. At the same time, pet owners can make their Persians always healthy through regular visits to veterinarians. Keeping these cats always clean can help prevent infections and other diseases from pestering these lovable creatures. Concerning the skin of Persian cats, pet owners must check them out for wounds, abrasions, or cuts, which are possible sources of infections and diseases.

While Persian cats do make excellent pets, owners can reciprocate such advantages by taking good care of them always. Expect longer years together with these super lovable and adorable creatures by taking care of them well through proper grooming and nourishment.

John Grant is a the author for a site about Persian cats, where he is writing articles about Persian cats care.

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Large Domestic Cat Breeds - An Overview

When considering large domestic cat breeds there are several main groups to include, they would be the Siberian, the Maine Coon, the Ragamuffin, the Ocicat, Turkish Vans, and Pixie-Bobs. This list is by no means totally complete, but it is a good overview of different important breeds.

Siberian cats, the kings of the northern Russian wilderness are big cats, weighing around fifteen to twenty pounds, they have large eyes and look quite snakelike in appearance, their double thick coat was a necessity during their days back in the lonely wooded wilderness of Siberia and protects them from the cold to this day.

The Maine Coon cat is probably the largest cat breed around, with one of its breed getting into the Guinness Book by being the longest cat in the world. These cats can get amazingly big, bigger than most small dogs. As you may have already surmised this breed is the state cat in the great state of Maine, you were right, nice work.

The Ragamuffin is a large cat, not the biggest, but bigger than most, they generally weigh in at about ten to fifteen pounds, they're very sweet and friendly in nature and have a long haired coat. The only drawback, if there is one to this breed,is that they tend to be very expensive to purchase. It wouldn't be uncommon to buy one of these cats for $1,000 dollars U.S.

The Ocicat looks very much like the wild Ocelot, from which is derives its name; these super cool cats have the spirit of a dog in a lot of ways - they're not skittish, they love attention, and they like being around people. This makes them a very popular breed, in fact, they can be trained to sit and speak like a dog - no fooling. It's quite amazing to watch that.

Turkish Vans are a long haired cat that will shed on you and your couch, which many people aren't in love with, their coats are water resistant as well, but even though it is a long hair breed they are much more hypoallergenic than most breeds making them a good choice for the allergic.

Picture a Bobcat, now make them smaller in you mind, that's what a Pixie-Bob sort of looks like, a miniature Bobcat, fierce predator of the wild only smaller. This domesticated cat grows large, averaging around 18 pounds and often growing even larger than that, of note is the fact that these cats have six to seven toes on each foot. Cool or creepy? You be the judge.

There you have it, an overview of large domestic cat breeds all tied up with a bow. Which one is best? Again, only you can judge that.

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Cat Breeds - Choosing The Best Breed

Which types of cats are right for you and your family? There is a large number of different cat breeds that one can choose from. Many of these breeds can easily adapt to home living, and make excellent pets for you and your children. So how do I find the best breed that is appropriate for me? Here is an excellent list of tips that you can use before making your final decision.

Quiet Or Noisy Cats

Some cat breeds can be very loud and noisy. You will want to consider this when choosing your pet cat. You and your family will need to determine if you can handle a vocal type of cat within your home, or would a quiet cat be more enjoyable. A number of cat owners don't usually have any issues with a more vocal cat, although if you live in an apartment, then you might have to reconsider choosing a loud cat. Some of the more loud or vocal types of cats include: the Korat, Siamese Cats, or the Burmese. If you are in the market for a quiet cat, then the following breeds may be more to your liking: Scottish Fold, Somali, or the American Curl.

Cuddly Or Playful

The next decision that you will want to make is to determine whether you want a cat that is more of an aloof breed or one that is more affectionate and cuddly. Some of the considerations to keep in mind are the amount of free time that you can spare. If you have a lot of available time then a cuddly cat who craves attention may be a great choice. Affectionate cuddly cats are also a great choice for those with children.

Friendliest Cat Breeds:

Maine Coon

Snowshoe

Abyssinian

Ragdoll

Tonkinese

Himalayan Persian

Less Sociable Breeds

Nebelung

Russian Shorthair

Norwegian Forest

If you are looking for a cat breed that will not get into constant mischief, and ones that can amuse themselves, then the following breeds may be a bad choice:

Siamese

Rex

Sphynx

Balinese

British Angora

These cats have a lot of energy and can be very inquisitive. These breeds are an excellent choice for someone who has a lot of free time and is home-bound. They can be a great source of entertainment; in fact the Rex can be enjoyable and silly to watch as he attempts to amuse those around him.

Other Important Features

There are also other important features that you want to look at in addition to the right temperament of the cat. An important feature to consider when choosing the right cat is whether you want a long haired or short haired breed. This is especially important to those owners who do not have a great deal of time to devote to a pet. These owners may want to opt for a short haired breed. The attraction of a fuzzy ball of fluff may look great, but grooming adult long haired cats can be very time consuming. A cat's coat of hair can tangle and matt up right down to its skin at an alarming rate if you do not provide proper grooming. If this should happen, your only choice is to have him completely shaved, which can be very traumatic. Your cat would need to be sedated, and this could pose some potential health risks.

Making The Final Choice

Having looked at the many different cat breeds and their unique features, you are now able to begin selecting your new cat. You should first ask yourself a few questions such as: should I get a baby kitten, or start with a feline that is somewhat older or even one that has been abandoned.

There are many new kittens available at various cat shows, and you might want to check out your local listings. There will more than likely be a number of cat exhibitors who are looking at selling some of their kitten litter. A great place to find an older feline would be at the humane society, or possibly the animal shelter in your town.

Susan Richards is the creater of http://www.onlinecatcare.com You can find a wealth of information pertaining to a variety of cat related items. Read comprehensive articles on a number of cat care needs from cat health to behavior training, cat breeds and more.

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Hypoallergenic Cats?

Lots of people around the world would love to have a cat or two as pets but can't because they are allergic to cats. Many people love their cats so much that they keep the cats and live with their allergies as best they can. Cat lovers and breeders around the world have put many years of effort into finding a cat breed or type that is hypoallergenic. Although they have had some success in the past, until recently there really has not been a cat type or breed that is totally hypoallergenic.

The cause of the problem is primarily a protein in the cat's saliva and skin called Felis Domesticus but most people call it Fel D 1 to keep it short. A skin gland called the sebaceous gland produces it. Since all cat breeds have this gland they all can generate allergic reactions in their owners. Although the hair, dander and urine from cats can produce allergic reactions in people, Fel D 1 is the biggest cause of cat generated allergens. It is an extremely small and sticky molecule, much smaller than dust or pollen. It is almost everywhere that a cat has been and can hang around in the air for several years after the cat has left. Believe it or not, Fel D 1 has even been found in the Antarctic far away from the nearest cat.

Two cat breeds in particular have been better tolerated by allergy sufferers. The Sphynx breed is almost totally hairless and because of this they cause fewer allergic reactions from people. They don't really shed since they are mostly hairless so that eliminates one way of spreading the Fel D 1 protein. This is truly an enchanting and elegant breed but the Fel D 1 protein is still generated and can cause allergy problems for the owner. Cornish Rex is a similar breed with very short dense hair. It does shed but much less than most other breeds. Because of this it has gained a reputation as a good possible cat for allergy sufferers. But again, it is not completely hypoallergenic.

Recently, a company called Allerca feels that they have completely solved the problem with Fel D 1. They used a patented process to test cat's genes to identify which genes produce Fel D 1 protein. Once they identified the Fel D 1 gene they found cats that had genetic divergences with that gene. They call genetic divergences GD for short. They did not do any genetic engineering or cloning or anything like that they simply found cats that already had the genetic divergences naturally and breed them with each other to produce cats with genetic divergences that changed the structure of Fel D 1. The result was 100 percent hypoallergenic cats. This is not a particular breed of cat. Cats of all breeds can have the required GD (genetic divergences) but it is very rare.

So can you buy one of these Allerca GD cats? Yes, but they cost about $3500 dollars U.S. and that puts you on the end of a waiting list about 2 to 3 years long. As in most businesses, money talks so for an extra $2000 you get to go to the head of the line and get one today. For that price they even fly the kitten to your veterinarian in a private jet. Is Allerca having any trouble selling the kittens at that price? They are receiving 500 down payments per day for kittens. That's right, 500 down payments per day so selling the cats is not even remotely a problem but keeping up with demand is obviously a problem. Allerca plans to have 500 kittens available in 2007 and hopes to increase that to 5,000 next year in 2008 and 200,000 per year by the year 2010.

Michael Russell

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Different Cat Breeds - Types of Cats

Surely, you must know that there are different types of cats. And the number of breeds can be overwhelming. But, if there is one way to categorize domesticated felines, it will be based on the length and type of their coat. Other famous categories used are on their physical features and size.

Longhaired Cats. These are mostly found in areas with cold climates. Their long hair allows them to keep warm despite the very low temperatures of their surroundings. The most famous examples of felines that belong to this category are Persian cats, Siberian Cats, and Birman cats. Of course, there are still several more felines that have long hair and that belong in this category.

Rexed Cats. These have curly hair. Their hairs remain as such because of mutation in the genes that happened naturally. These cats and their curly hair features can be passed on from one offspring to another but the characteristic can either be visible or not as these are held by either dominant or recessive genes.

Examples of cats that have rexed coats are Cornish rex, Devon rex cat, and the skookum.

Hairless Cats. There are also hairless. This feature separates them from other cats that have coats. These felines appear bald and such a feature is also believed to be a result of natural mutation of their species. If there is one famous hairless cat, it will be the Sphinx. Other hairless felines include the Bambino, the Dwelf, and the Minskin.

Short tailed. Cats are also classified according to their physical features. There are short tailed that are made up of the American Bobtail, the Cymric, the Manx, and a few more. These are very noticeable because their tails are almost like lumps and are not anymore a long extension at their ends.

Short legged. If there are short tailed cats, there is also a group of that are made up of those that have short legs. The Munchkin cat is a famous short legged. The Bambino, the Genetta, and Lambkin also have short legs.

These group of animals are sometimes known as dwarf cats because of their short height as a result of their short legs.

Cats with unusual ears. These have ears that are either curled or folded. Their ears sometimes appear asymmetrical. Examples of cats that have unusual ears are the American curl and the Scottish Ford.

Hypoallergenic cats. People who easily develop allergic reactions are advised to avoid pets. But, there can be cats that are acceptable for these people to have. There are also so-called hypoallergenic cats like the Bambino cat, Donskoy, Peterbald, and La Perm. Although these can still make the person develop allergic reactions, the gravity by which these reactions occur is lesser.

Hybrid cats. These days, due to experimentation and the advancement of science, hybrid cats have added to the list of feline breeds. These cats are considered results of cross-breeding of one feline species to another.

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